Brussels: Europe and the Arabs

The leaders of the European Union countries will hold a summit today, Thursday, in Brussels. On the agenda of the discussions, EU Council President Charles Michel said in his invitation to the leaders to attend the summit, "It will be a one-day meeting. We will focus on strategic issues in which our unity will be fundamental. First, Ukraine, as always." Russia's massive military escalation since October 10, with its repeated targeting of Ukraine's vital installations and energy infrastructure, has caused massive damage to Ukraine's power grid. Millions of civilians have been left without electricity, heat and running water. The situation, which worsens with rain, requires Snow and sub-zero temperatures, an appropriate response from us, including in terms of preparedness and humanitarian assistance.In addition to the immediate needs of the country, there is also a need for a substantive discussion on how to ensure the sustainability of our military and financial support to Ukraine.

“This year has radically transformed our energy landscape and made it clearer than ever that we need to work together. Ensuring security of supply and lower prices for citizens and businesses remains our top priority. Against this background, we will review the progress made since October and present More guidance. We also look forward to the challenges of the coming year so that we are fully prepared. One of the highlights of 2023 will be the electricity market reform that the European Commission will propose as soon as possible. However, our coordination efforts must be accompanied by concrete projects and committed investment in innovation and infrastructure infrastructure and energy efficiency to phase out our dependence on Russian fossil fuels.

Our new energy horizon has had spillover effects on our economy, which have been affected more by the impact of our trading partners. Our future growth prospects depend not only on how well we manage the energy shock in the short term, but also on the ability of our industries to remain competitive, and our ability to innovate and invest in the technologies of tomorrow. We will therefore focus on how we can best manage our coordinated policy response, including support for common European solutions.

Exactly two years after our last exchange on EU-US relations, we will hold a strategic discussion on our transatlantic relations, particularly in light of the evolving global context. The discussion will cover a wide range of issues, particularly security and economic cooperation.

On security and defence, we will assess progress since Versailles and provide further guidance as necessary.

Finally, we will hold a strategic discussion on the Southern Neighborhood “with the countries of the Southern Mediterranean” and follow up the recent summit with the countries of the Western Balkans in Tirana. This will provide us with an opportunity to discuss the multifaceted aspects of our cooperation with these countries, including migration.

Yesterday, the European Union and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit was held, which provided an opportunity to exchange views on their strategic partnership and discuss important issues of common interest, including security challenges, communication, trade, green and digital transformations, and food security.